
was 90,808; in 1939 there were 8,761 churches, with a membership of 486,670,
a net gain of 395,862 during the 29 years, or an average annual net gain of
13,650 members. Our total funds for all lines of evangelistic work in 1910
were $2,223,767.52; in 1939, $13,499,973.10—the largest amount ever con-
tributed during any year. The number of Sabbath schools in 1910 was 4,151,
with 101,161 pupils; in 1939, 14,010 schools, with 611,123 pupils. In 1910
there were 594 primary schools, 86 advanced schools, with 20,526 enrollment;
in 1939 there were 2,511 primary Schools, 252 advanced schools, with a total
enrollment of 116,706, or one student for every 4.17 church members."
10.
What loving entreaties does God send to His people? Heb. 3:12-14;
2 Peter 3:14-18; 1 Cor. 1:4-8.
11.
How are God's people sustained through their final trials? John
14:1-3; Titus 2:13; Isa. 43:1, 2.
NOTE.—"As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the
closing period of earth's history the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those
who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the Hebrew worthies
in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding
presence will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the time of trouble,—trouble
such as has not been since there was a nation,—His chosen ones will stand
unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God's
saints. Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf
Jehovah will reveal Himself as a 'God of gods,' able to save to the uttermost
those who have put their trust in
Him."—Prophets and Kings,
page 513.
The Eternal Heritage
12.
Where is to be the eternal home of God's triumphant people? Ps.
37:9-11; Rev. 21:1-7.
NoTE.—The Bible teaches that the first thousand years of eternity will
be passed by the saints of God in heaven. Rev. 20:4. Following this thou-
sand-year period the New Jerusalem comes down to this earth (Rev. 21:2),
the wicked are raised to life to meet their final judgment and destruction
(Rev. 20:7-14), and the fire which accomplishes this work spreads over the
entire earth rand purifies it. Then the earth becomes the eternal abode of the
ransomed of God. Here too, will be the throne of God and of Christ. Thus
while the saints of God may be said to enter upon their rewards at the coming
of Jesus, it necessarily follows that the entire possession of the kingdom will
take place a thousand years later.
13.
What is said of the glories of the new earth? Isa..65:17-19, 21-25;
11:6-9; 33:24; Rev. 22:1-7.
NoTE.—"There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing de-
light the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There
will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty
will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge
will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enter-
prises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest am-
bitions realized; and still there will arise
new
heights to surmount, new won-
ders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the
powers of mind and soul and body."—The
Great Controversy,
page 677.
14.
What gracious invitation to share this glory is extended freely to
a perishing world? Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17, 20, 21.
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